News from our Secondary Principal Craig Randall
Hello Parents,
The highlight of this week for me was, without a doubt, the Secondary Arts Festival on Wednesday night. As a school principal, playing a part in developing and preparing young people to become successful adults is an important and rewarding part of the job for me. Developing their academic, social and emotional skills is an important part of building that success. To be completely honest though, the moments when I feel most proud as a principal are during events like the Arts Festival.
This is often when a giant part of that holistic development of the students comes shining through. Last night was no exception.From highly skilled and creative two and three dimensional visual art displays, to solo and duet instrument performances, to choirs beautifully belting out songs, to dramatic scenes played out right in front of our feet, to jazz band performances that made me want to dance, to ballet recitals and musical theater numbers, the evening had it all. Our Creative Arts teachers did some really creative, out of the box thinking and turned our school entryway into a bright and entertaining multi-dimensional performance space. Bravo to them and all of our artists! If you missed it you have to come next year.
A big thank you also to all of our GAAPA mom’s for spoiling us during teacher appreciation week. From gourmet popcorn, to coffee, tea and pastries, to an incredible lunch, it was a week to put on a kilogram or two for all of us. Thank you again.
I’ll finish today with upcoming dates to remember:
• MS Promotion Ceremony on 28 May at 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium
• Senior exams from 31 May to 4 June with make-up exams on 7 June
• Graduation on 11 June at 7 p.m. in the auditorium
• Grade 9-11 exams from 14 June 18 June with make-up exams on 21 June
• Final semester grades ready on 25 June
• Last day of school on 2 July
Take care,
Craig Randall
Secondary School Principal
The highlight of this week for me was, without a doubt, the Secondary Arts Festival on Wednesday night. As a school principal, playing a part in developing and preparing young people to become successful adults is an important and rewarding part of the job for me. Developing their academic, social and emotional skills is an important part of building that success. To be completely honest though, the moments when I feel most proud as a principal are during events like the Arts Festival.
This is often when a giant part of that holistic development of the students comes shining through. Last night was no exception.From highly skilled and creative two and three dimensional visual art displays, to solo and duet instrument performances, to choirs beautifully belting out songs, to dramatic scenes played out right in front of our feet, to jazz band performances that made me want to dance, to ballet recitals and musical theater numbers, the evening had it all. Our Creative Arts teachers did some really creative, out of the box thinking and turned our school entryway into a bright and entertaining multi-dimensional performance space. Bravo to them and all of our artists! If you missed it you have to come next year.
A big thank you also to all of our GAAPA mom’s for spoiling us during teacher appreciation week. From gourmet popcorn, to coffee, tea and pastries, to an incredible lunch, it was a week to put on a kilogram or two for all of us. Thank you again.
I’ll finish today with upcoming dates to remember:
• MS Promotion Ceremony on 28 May at 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium
• Senior exams from 31 May to 4 June with make-up exams on 7 June
• Graduation on 11 June at 7 p.m. in the auditorium
• Grade 9-11 exams from 14 June 18 June with make-up exams on 21 June
• Final semester grades ready on 25 June
• Last day of school on 2 July
Take care,
Craig Randall
Secondary School Principal
Do you have questions about the college admission process?
Join me for coffee and an informal conversation on Tuesday, May 12, from 8:30am – 9:30am.
This opportunity is available to all secondary parents of students in grades 6 -12. I will share general information on high school and the process of applying to college. I will also entertain any questions that you have on the general process or how it works at GAA.
Be prepared to hear discussion on topics such as: types of colleges, how high school works in college admission, what it takes to get into college, high school timeline and planning checklist.
Join me for coffee and an informal conversation on Tuesday, May 12, from 8:30am – 9:30am.
This opportunity is available to all secondary parents of students in grades 6 -12. I will share general information on high school and the process of applying to college. I will also entertain any questions that you have on the general process or how it works at GAA.
Be prepared to hear discussion on topics such as: types of colleges, how high school works in college admission, what it takes to get into college, high school timeline and planning checklist.
Spring Break Travels
Nepal
How Nepal Changed me
By: Gabby McGuinty
Nepal was a unique, enlightening experience that greatly touched me in multiple ways. I knew when the Spring Break trips were announced that Nepal was an interesting choice that was going to expose a variety of different riches that I had previously not known. As I was packing and mentally preparing myself to go to a third world country, somewhere I had never been to before, I was excited to embark on the adventure and ready for the new challenges that the week-long trip would bring. No amount of preparation or forewarning however could have prepared me for all the valuable lessons ended up learning due to my stay in Nepal. The all-around generosity and caring nature of the Nepalese greatly struck me and left a deep impression on me even long after I was gone. In Nepal I witnessed pure, innocent determination by the young children we visited in the school who had a hunger for knowledge far greater than I had ever experienced before. I discovered how living a simple life where wants and needs are clearly distinguished and the latter are usually the only ones present, is not a life that is unimaginable. Furthermore, this type of life also proves that less is more and humans do not really need that much to survive and flourish. All these lessons helped me set up goals for myself and strive to be a person that encompasses all aspects of a true soul. What I ended up learning from Nepal was not something that can be expressed in tourist brochures or pre-trip cautionary meetings. I came across real human emotions of raw pain, dedication, pride, and love. I learned valuable lessons that gave me insight on who I am as a person and on who I wanted to be. In conclusion, Nepal Spring Break 2015 is a memory that I will look back on in the years to come with a huge smile and not enough words to express my thanks.
Overcoming Bug and Acrophobia
During the 8 days in Nepal before the earthquake happened, I basically had an unforgettable experience doing most of the activities I have never done before. In Nepal, I have done abseiling, zip lining, hiking about 868 meters of the mountain, visiting local schools and so on. It was a suitable climate for me to enjoy the activities and the Nepalese people are super kinder than the people from where I used to live. However, I have one thing that this Nepal trip helped me with. It helped me over my two greatest phobias. One is for bugs and the other for height. I am usually nervous, shy and wasn’t that confident in doing some challenging activities. And I had fixed my height phobia with my trip friends’ cheers and the belief in safety on each activity such as abseiling, jumping off the big, tall rock on rafting, zip lining, hiking and so on.. I actually got used to do a lot of high height activities because the elevation in Nepal are very high. I recommend people who have acrophobia should go to Nepal and enjoy several kinds of ‘Last Resort’ activities.^^ And regarding the bugs, I felt very scared about a bunch of bugs sticking on the sink and on the shower. But after 8 days, I got used to it and became positive about the bugs.
The Last Resort
Nepalese people in the Last Resort changed my life because, there are some times I am lazy to do a lot of things such as going to school or waking up. After I saw last Resort people waking up at 5am even though their school started at 10am, I realized how our lives are different. The kids work and study at the same time and even when I asked one of them if he was tired, he told me ‘No, this is my job’. I was very shocked by their dedication and hard work. I couldn’t believe that they were actually enjoying their lifestyle. After I came back to the UAE, I felt embarrassed for not taking care of what I have and decided I will not be lazy anymore.
By: Gabby McGuinty
Nepal was a unique, enlightening experience that greatly touched me in multiple ways. I knew when the Spring Break trips were announced that Nepal was an interesting choice that was going to expose a variety of different riches that I had previously not known. As I was packing and mentally preparing myself to go to a third world country, somewhere I had never been to before, I was excited to embark on the adventure and ready for the new challenges that the week-long trip would bring. No amount of preparation or forewarning however could have prepared me for all the valuable lessons ended up learning due to my stay in Nepal. The all-around generosity and caring nature of the Nepalese greatly struck me and left a deep impression on me even long after I was gone. In Nepal I witnessed pure, innocent determination by the young children we visited in the school who had a hunger for knowledge far greater than I had ever experienced before. I discovered how living a simple life where wants and needs are clearly distinguished and the latter are usually the only ones present, is not a life that is unimaginable. Furthermore, this type of life also proves that less is more and humans do not really need that much to survive and flourish. All these lessons helped me set up goals for myself and strive to be a person that encompasses all aspects of a true soul. What I ended up learning from Nepal was not something that can be expressed in tourist brochures or pre-trip cautionary meetings. I came across real human emotions of raw pain, dedication, pride, and love. I learned valuable lessons that gave me insight on who I am as a person and on who I wanted to be. In conclusion, Nepal Spring Break 2015 is a memory that I will look back on in the years to come with a huge smile and not enough words to express my thanks.
Overcoming Bug and Acrophobia
During the 8 days in Nepal before the earthquake happened, I basically had an unforgettable experience doing most of the activities I have never done before. In Nepal, I have done abseiling, zip lining, hiking about 868 meters of the mountain, visiting local schools and so on. It was a suitable climate for me to enjoy the activities and the Nepalese people are super kinder than the people from where I used to live. However, I have one thing that this Nepal trip helped me with. It helped me over my two greatest phobias. One is for bugs and the other for height. I am usually nervous, shy and wasn’t that confident in doing some challenging activities. And I had fixed my height phobia with my trip friends’ cheers and the belief in safety on each activity such as abseiling, jumping off the big, tall rock on rafting, zip lining, hiking and so on.. I actually got used to do a lot of high height activities because the elevation in Nepal are very high. I recommend people who have acrophobia should go to Nepal and enjoy several kinds of ‘Last Resort’ activities.^^ And regarding the bugs, I felt very scared about a bunch of bugs sticking on the sink and on the shower. But after 8 days, I got used to it and became positive about the bugs.
The Last Resort
Nepalese people in the Last Resort changed my life because, there are some times I am lazy to do a lot of things such as going to school or waking up. After I saw last Resort people waking up at 5am even though their school started at 10am, I realized how our lives are different. The kids work and study at the same time and even when I asked one of them if he was tired, he told me ‘No, this is my job’. I was very shocked by their dedication and hard work. I couldn’t believe that they were actually enjoying their lifestyle. After I came back to the UAE, I felt embarrassed for not taking care of what I have and decided I will not be lazy anymore.
From our Arts Department
The GAA Music Department was honoured to be invited to perform at the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s (ADEC) Private Education Investment Forum at Etihad Towers on Monday morning. Students from the Grade 10 Band and GAA Big Band performed for the arrival of the VIP guests as the event began.
The students delivered an hour of beautifully performed music which they are debuting ahead of the end of year concerts on the 31st May and 3rd June respectively.
Well done to everyone involved for not only sharing their music with ADEC, but for conducting themselves away from school in a manor that only reinforces the GAA standards of excellence.
Dave Holland
Secondary School Music Director
The students delivered an hour of beautifully performed music which they are debuting ahead of the end of year concerts on the 31st May and 3rd June respectively.
Well done to everyone involved for not only sharing their music with ADEC, but for conducting themselves away from school in a manor that only reinforces the GAA standards of excellence.
Dave Holland
Secondary School Music Director
Swimming
Dear, Secondary Parents.
On Friday May 1st, 2015 we had a very successful swim meet at NY University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island campus.
Categories: Men’s & Women’s School, University or Club (U21).
We had 2 Secondary GAA swimmers competing, able to achieve excellent individual results.
Khalil Boukhris in Gr.12 compete in:
100 meters Freestyle: - time 1.02.36sec.
Nicholas Roselt in Gr.8 compete in:
50m Freestyle : - time 27.91
50m Butterfly : - time 30.27
200m IM : - time 2:39.56
Both of our swimmers reach 1st place in each individual event.
Well done, please congratulate them for their outstanding performance.
Best Regards from JV/V Swimming coaches,
Ms. Kirsten Baillie and Ms.Iliana Jaltova.
On Friday May 1st, 2015 we had a very successful swim meet at NY University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island campus.
Categories: Men’s & Women’s School, University or Club (U21).
We had 2 Secondary GAA swimmers competing, able to achieve excellent individual results.
Khalil Boukhris in Gr.12 compete in:
100 meters Freestyle: - time 1.02.36sec.
Nicholas Roselt in Gr.8 compete in:
50m Freestyle : - time 27.91
50m Butterfly : - time 30.27
200m IM : - time 2:39.56
Both of our swimmers reach 1st place in each individual event.
Well done, please congratulate them for their outstanding performance.
Best Regards from JV/V Swimming coaches,
Ms. Kirsten Baillie and Ms.Iliana Jaltova.
Student Council Corner….
We have received approval from ADEC to fundraise for the Nepal Earthquake Relief.
Stay tuned for our fundraising activities that will take place in the coming weeks where we build an awareness and sense of community throughout the school on this tragic event.
We have received approval from ADEC to fundraise for the Nepal Earthquake Relief.
Stay tuned for our fundraising activities that will take place in the coming weeks where we build an awareness and sense of community throughout the school on this tragic event.
Upcoming events for Secondary School
*Junior/Senior Prom
*Middle School Promotion
*Senior Breakfast
*Graduation June 11th
*Graduation Celebrations (TBA)
*Junior/Senior Prom
- Viceroy Hotel, Yas Island
- Date: Wed., May 20th
- Time: 6-p.m. until midnight
- Cost 400AED per person
*Middle School Promotion
- Date : May 28th
- Time: 10am
*Senior Breakfast
- Westin Hotel
- Date: Monday, June 8th
- Time: 10a.m. – 12p.m.
*Graduation June 11th
*Graduation Celebrations (TBA)
Here is our Community and Secondary School Calendar - Scroll through the months to see what's planned for this year at GAA
Please make sure you check this calendar regularly for updates and new events